StudentFirst Academy Charter School in Charlotte said Thursday it will close April 15. The decision was orchestrated with state regulators. The state Board of Education on Wednesday revoked the school's charter, its special permission to operate a public school with fewer rules than traditional classrooms.

The mid-year closing of a charter school is a rare step taken to protect taxpayer money. The last time was eight years ago when a Catawba County charter school closed because of low enrollment and financial trouble.